DNC Chair Calls RNC 'Crass' For Partying in Face of Hurricane Isaac

August 30, 2012

By ELICIA DOVER

TAMPA, Fla.- Democratic National Committee Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz spoke out today against the Republican National Convention's handling of Hurricane Isaac, which is causing havoc along the Gulf Coast. Wasserman Schultz said the RNC "could have taken things down a notch," during their speeches.

"I think it probably was an example of their continued focus of winning at all costs," Wasserman Schultz said.

While Wasserman Schultz said she gave the RNC credit for cancelling the first day to put safety first, she noted the parties of special interest groups still went on.

"The bashes were not cancelled [and] went on despite the fact that our state was getting hit with a hurricane and Tampa was still in the path of the storm," Wasserman Schultz said.

Wasserman said even though the RNC was in a challenging situation of having a convention during a devastating storm, there are "other ways they could have handled it other than the path, the way they chose."

When asked what she thought the RNC should have done, Wasserman Schultz told ABC News that the Republicans could have toned down their program, "certainly in the face of millions getting battered by a storm, they could have been less crass and been a little bit more muted."

Last night, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez asked for those watching the speeches to contribute to the Red Cross.

"Before I begin tonight, let's keep in our thoughts and prayers the families impacted by the storm affecting the Gulf Coast. If you haven't done so already, please donate to the Red Cross," Martinez said.

Wasserman Schultz said the RNC should have been even more sensitive to the devastation.

"I think there were adjustments in their program they could have made that would have been more sensitive to the fact the Gulf Coast region was getting pounded by a storm and yet they continued to party," Wasserman said.